A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cardiff vs. Kotor for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Cardiff or Kotor?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Cardiff or Kotor? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a green, industrial, and up-and-coming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Kotor

Kotor is a remote, dramatic, and scenic coastal town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Cardiff and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Kotor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kotor. Although Cardiff and Kotor are popular destinations, Kotor has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kotor is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cardiff attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Cardiff is famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. Kotor is famous for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is also well known for The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is Cardiff different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kotor and Cardiff. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cardiff or Kotor?

Cardiff is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Cardiff is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cardiff or Kotor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kotor is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Kotor is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Cardiff or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Cardiff is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Cardiff has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Cardiff or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a coastal town with a few options for its resorts. However, Cardiff is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Cardiff is not a resort destination.

Is Cardiff or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kotor has a few good snorkeling spots. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cardiff or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Kotor is a popular place for the beache. However, Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Kotor is a good option for a beach vacation. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is Cardiff or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Kotor can be explored in its historical center. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is Cardiff or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

People visit Kotor specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Kotor?

Cardiff is very good for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Cardiff is a great destination for shopping. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cardiff or Kotor Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cardiff or Kotor.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cardiff. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Cardiff or Kotor Better for Couples?

Kotor is a great destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

Couples visit Kotor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Cardiff or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kotor is a great destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Kotor is a great coastal town to visit for backpackers. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Kotor Better for Students?

Cardiff is very good for students. However, Kotor is not popular with students.

Cardiff is popular with students. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Kotor is not popular with students.

Is Cardiff or Kotor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Cardiff and Kotor.

Public transit is generally limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Cardiff or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Kotor on foot is easy. The old town is best explored on foot.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

For even more information, also check out Is Cardiff Worth Visiting? and Is Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Cardiff or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kotor due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cardiff, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

Families should spend more time in Kotor than Cardiff. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kotor, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Kotor than Cardiff. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kotor that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kotor than Cardiff if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Kotor.

One day in Cardiff or Kotor?

In Cardiff, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this green destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Kotor is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Cardiff or Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Cardiff or Kotor?

Cardiff is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cardiff. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kotor is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cardiff or Kotor?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the up-and-coming destination of Cardiff. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kotor. Since Kotor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cardiff and Kotor, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Kotor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kotor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kotor and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff than you might in Kotor.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cardiff Expensive? and Is Kotor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Kotor?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Kotor, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Cardiff or Kotor?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cardiff or Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cardiff is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 17°C (63°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Kotor. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Cardiff during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kotor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Cardiff is much colder than Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Kotor. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kotor for the cuisine during these months.

Cardiff can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Cardiff is much colder than Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cardiff in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Kotor. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Kotor. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Cardiff is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 9°C (48°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Cardiff often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Cardiff